Journalist Unveils Shocking NIL Earnings for Cooper Flagg at Duke

Now, the staggering amount Flagg earned during his lone season at Duke has been revealed — and it’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.

During a recent conversation at The 92nd Street Y in New York City, renowned sports journalist Howard Bryant sat down with Bob Costas and disclosed Flagg’s freshman-year earnings. The revelation drew an audible gasp from the audience.

“$28 million,” Bryant stated. “He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and another $15 million with Fanatics.”

It’s worth noting that the New Balance deal is a multi-year contract, so that $13 million figure may reflect its total value. Still, Flagg became one of the brand’s signature athletes before even playing an NBA game.

In addition to these endorsements, Flagg’s NIL valuation at Duke — according to On3 — was $4.8 million, the highest in college basketball. And impressively, he racked up these earnings as a 17-year-old, not turning 18 until December.

Despite the eye-popping numbers, few would argue Flagg didn’t earn every dollar. The Maine native was a dominant force in college basketball, capturing the Naismith National Player of the Year award, along with ACC Rookie and Player of the Year honors. He led the Blue Devils in all five major statistical categories, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, and powered Duke to a Final Four appearance.

Now a lock for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — with the Dallas Mavericks expected to take him — Flagg is poised to significantly expand his already remarkable earnings as he begins his professional career